Throughout the East Iceland region, there are marked hiking trails and routes with varying levels of difficulty. The trails to Hengifoss, Fardagafoss and Stórurð show just how varied the hikes can be.
Hiking among forests, waterfalls and rocky landscapes
The trail to Hengifoss leads uphill from the car park along well-marked paths. It is about five kilometres long and takes 40 to 60 minutes; the duration may vary depending on conditions and pace. Hallormsstaður Forest also has well-marked trails for hiking, walking and cycling.
At Fardagafoss, there is a moderately challenging round-trip hike that takes about an hour. Behind the waterfall is a cave whose entrance is protected by an overhang; conditions may affect access. The hiking route at Stórurð takes four hours and is also moderately challenging. The two routes therefore differ considerably in the time required; duration and difficulty may vary depending on conditions.
Stórurð is also remarkable for its landscape: huge tuff boulders lie among grassy meadows and small ponds, while Mount Dyrfjöll dominates the surroundings. At Hólmanes, nature conservation and birdwatching go hand in hand. The area is designated as a nature reserve and protected area; its diverse birdlife can be seen year-round, with seabirds especially common.
Fjord landscapes and geothermal pools
In the fjord of Mjóifjörður, you can find the remains of a Norwegian whaling station and the seven-tiered Klifbrekkufossar waterfall. Short trails also lead to waterfalls, gorges and a shipwreck. Road access is seasonal and weather-dependent, so take this into account when planning your trip.
Vök Baths on Lake Urriðavatn offer a different kind of landscape experience: a geothermal attraction in East Iceland. The facilities include floating geothermal pools, two hot outdoor pools, a sauna and a cold-water spray tunnel. As the facilities may change, check the details before your visit.
Culture, museums and special places
The “Blue Church Summer Concerts” concert series takes place every summer in Seyðisfjörður. Check the latest concert dates for your trip. Also in Seyðisfjörður, Rainbow Street is a colourful community project and a distinctive visual landmark in East Iceland.
Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður is located in Petra’s former home and its adjoining garden. The geological and botanical garden complements the museum dedicated to Petra’s life’s work and passion for stones. The East Iceland Heritage Museum, in turn, presents the region’s cultural history, traditions and community life. Its permanent exhibitions include “Reindeer in East Iceland” and “Sustainable Unit”.
Sænautasel is a restored historic turf farm that serves as a living museum of Icelandic rural life. Skriðuklaustur has been open as a cultural and historical centre since 2000 and houses a museum about Gunnar Gunnarsson. The ruins of a medieval Augustinian monastery dating from the 16th century are also located at Skriðuklaustur. They are accessible year-round; this applies to the ruins, not the interior of the cultural centre.
Getting there and planning routes
Smyril Line’s Norröna ferry operates weekly between Denmark and Seyðisfjörður, calling at the Faroe Islands. Departure dates vary by season; check the schedule for your travel dates. The “Fjord to Fjord” route starts in Egilsstaðir, East Iceland’s inland transport hub, and leads to several nearby fjords. Road and seasonal conditions may also change on this route.
Discover more destinations: Höfn Í Hornafirði, Egilsstadhir, Neskaupstadur, Reydarfjördur, Breiðdalsvík, Eskifjorður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Stöðvarfjörður, Borgarfjörður, Eiðar, Vopnafjörður, Bjarnanes, Vallanes, Djúpivogur, Seyðisfjörður, þÓrshöfn, Hof, Hámundarstaðir, Fljótsdalur, Hoffell, Kleppur, Berunes, Disastaðir, Brekka, Laugarfell, Brunnholl, Svartiskogur.
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